The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.

The Research Unit Forest Health and Biotic Interactions investigates the influence of biotic factors on forest health and develops the scientific basis for the protection of forests against potentially harmful organisms. For an international cooperation project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Phytopathology Group is looking from April 2025 or up on agreement, for a period of 2 years with the option of extension, for a

As part of a team in Switzerland and Azerbaijan, you will study fungal diversity in leaves and bark of selected tree species from Azerbaijan, with a focus on pathogenic fungi. This includes participation in field work in Azerbaijan; responsibility for performing molecular analysis of leaf material using amplicon sequencing; bioinformatic and statistical analysis of molecular data; presentation of the study results at congresses; publication in peer-reviewed journals, and collaboration with an Azerbaijani doctoral student in statistical analyses and in the publication.

You have a PhD degree in phytopathology, ecology, biology or a related field. You have previous experience in mycology, molecular techniques, and good knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical analysis of metabarcoding data, preferably with R. You have a passion for scientific understanding and an interest in fungal pathogens and forest ecology. Experience in the cultivation of fungi is desirable. In addition, you have a good command of English and have a demonstrated ability in carrying out research projects, including publication of the results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. You are used to work independent, structured and meticulous and have a high level of self-motivation as well as a good team spirit.